Gill's Double-Century Dominates Edgbaston

Gill’s Double-Century Dominates Edgbaston

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The second Test at Edgbaston will be remembered as Shubman Gill’s masterpiece. His unbeaten Double-Century (269) in the first innings became the highest Test score by an Indian captain, breaking records and silencing critics. But he wasn’t done. Gill followed it up with another century in the second innings, finishing the match with a staggering 430 runs.

India piled on 587 in their first innings, then declared at 427/6 in the second, leaving England with an impossible chase. The hosts crumbled under pressure, bowled out as India secured a massive 336-run victory—their first ever at Edgbaston. Akash Deep’s six-wicket haul on the final day sealed the deal, proving India’s dominance wasn’t just about batting. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.

Gill’s Double-Century Dominates Edgbaston: India’s Comeback Story

The series hadn’t started smoothly for India. The first Test at Headingly saw England pull off a stunning chase, hunting down 371—the second-highest successful fourth innings chase on home soil. Ben Duckett’s 149 was the backbone of England’s win, while Rishabh Pant’s rare double century as a wicketkeeper-batsman went in vain. The loss was a wake-up call for India, who then roared back at Edgbaston. Now, with the series level, everything comes down to Lord’s. Can India replicate their ruthless form? Or will England, with Archer’s return and home conditions, strike back?

As the drama unfolds, this series has already given fans everything—record-breaking knocks, fiery comebacks, controversies, and emotional milestones. With Tendulkar’s presence adding a touch of legend, Lord’s isn’t just hosting a Test; it’s witnessing cricket history in the making.

Controversy Over the Dukes Ball: Pant Voices Frustration

As the teams moved to Lord’s for the third Test, the focus shifted from the pitch to the ball itself. Rishabh Pant, India’s vice-captain, didn’t hold back his frustration with the Dukes ball, calling it “irritating.” He claimed it loses shape too quickly, leading to unpredictable swing and making life difficult for both batsmen and bowlers.

Captain Shubman Gill had already raised concerns, and Pant’s comments echoed a deeper unease in the Indian camp. The feeling was clear—India wasn’t just battling England; they were also fighting what they saw as inconsistent equipment. With the series finely balanced, these complaints added another layer of tension ahead of the crucial Lord’s Test.

Lord’s Showdown: Bumrah Returns, Archer’s Comeback, and Tendulkar’s Moment

The stage was set for a blockbuster third Test at Lord’s. England brought back Jofra Archer for the first time since 2021, hoping his raw pace and bounce could unsettle India’s in-form batsmen. On the other side, India welcomed back Jasprit Bumrah, a bowler Pant described as “crucial” for his ability to swing the ball late and outthink batters.

But beyond the players, there was another star attraction—Sachin Tendulkar. The legendary batsman was set to ring the iconic Lord’s bell before the match, a first for him at the historic ground. The moment carried weight, blending nostalgia with the high stakes of a series tied 1–1. Could India carry their Edgbaston momentum into Lord’s? Or would England’s refreshed attack, led by Archer, tilt the balance?

Women’s Triumph and Men’s Redemption: India’s T20 Success

While the Test series gripped fans, India’s women’s team scripted their own piece of history. They secured their first-ever T20I series win on English soil, defeating the hosts 3–1. Teenage sensation Shafali Verma was the standout, tearing through England’s bowling with fearless stroke play. At Old Trafford, her explosive batting, combined with Smriti Mandhana’s solid start, set the foundation for a memorable win.

Deepti Sharma also celebrated a personal milestone, claiming her 300th international wicket. Meanwhile, the men’s T20 side had earlier dominated England in February, with Abhishek Sharma smashing a breathtaking 135 off just 54 balls—India’s second-fastest T20I century—before chipping in with two wickets to seal a 4–1 series win.

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